Freedom251 › 3D Animation Software
K-3D
What K-3D is
K-3D is free software for 3D modeling and animation, with downloads listed for macOS and Windows as well as source code. It supports procedural and parametric workflows, letting users change properties and see results interactively. Its node-based visualization pipeline connects components and passes selections between modifiers. An undo tree supports undoing and redoing changes. The site describes native RenderMan support within the K-3D interface, plus real-time mirroring of one side of a model and welding the result into a subdivision surface. The source code is available under the GNU General Public License. Development information lists GNU/Linux, MacOS X, FreeBSD, Microsoft Windows, and other build platforms. Optional build integrations include Collada, DBus, GLX, Gnome VFS, GTS, ImageMagick, ODE, OpenCASCADE, and OpenEXR. K-3D describes itself as a tool for new artists and professionals. Documentation is available through an archived wiki, while support options include forums, a development mailing list, and issue submission.
Who it suits
K-3D suits artists, from newcomers to professionals, who want free desktop 3D modeling and animation software. Its procedural and parametric workflows may also suit users who want interactive property changes and a node-based pipeline.
What it does well
- Free software under the GNU General Public License.
- Supports procedural and parametric workflows.
- Includes a node-based visualization pipeline and undo tree.
- Downloads include macOS, Windows, and source code.
What to know first
- Documentation is available through an archived wiki.
- RenderMan support is described as native, but the render engine is external.
Plans
| Plan | Billed and limits | Price |
|---|---|---|
| K-3D | Free software; no paid tiers or usage limits stated | Free |
As k-3d.org lists them, read 9 Oct 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.
Getting started
- Visit the K-3D website.
- Choose a MacOS or Windows download, or obtain the source code.
- Use the archived wiki for documentation.
- Seek help through the forums, development mailing list, or issue submission.
Verdict
K-3D offers free modeling and animation tools with procedural workflows and an undo tree. Its documentation is archived, so users may want to check the available forums, mailing list, or issue submission for help.
Questions
Is K-3D free?
Yes. K-3D is free software, and no paid tiers or usage limits are stated.
Which platforms are supported?
The download page lists MacOS and Windows, plus source code. Development information lists GNU/Linux, MacOS X, FreeBSD, Microsoft Windows, and other build platforms.
Is K-3D open source?
Its source code is available under the GNU General Public License.
Does it support animation and parametric modeling?
Yes. K-3D is 3D modeling and animation software, and parametric modeling is listed.
What rendering support does it offer?
The site describes native RenderMan support integrated with the K-3D interface.
Where can users get documentation or help?
Documentation is available through an archived wiki. Help options include forums, a development mailing list, and issue submission.
Facts from K-3D's own pages
- Animation tools
- Yes · k-3d.org, 20 Sept 2026
- Audience
- The site describes K-3D as a tool for artists, including new artists and professionals. · k-3d.org, 9 Oct 2026
- Build platforms
- The development page says K-3D can be built on GNU/Linux, MacOS X, FreeBSD, Microsoft Windows, and other platforms. · k-3d.org, 9 Oct 2026
- Documentation
- Documentation is available through an archived wiki. · k-3d.org, 9 Oct 2026
- Downloads
- The download page lists MacOS, Windows, and source code. · k-3d.org, 9 Oct 2026
- Free plan
- Yes · k-3d.org, 20 Sept 2026
- License
- The source code is available under the GNU General Public License. · k-3d.org, 9 Oct 2026
- Modeling
- The site describes mirroring one side of a model and welding the result into a subdivision surface in real time. · k-3d.org, 9 Oct 2026
- Optional integrations
- Optional build integrations listed include Collada, DBus, GLX, Gnome VFS, GTS, ImageMagick, ODE, OpenCASCADE, and OpenEXR. · k-3d.org, 9 Oct 2026
- Parametric modeling
- Yes · k-3d.org, 20 Sept 2026
- Pipeline
- Its node-based visualization pipeline lets users connect components and pass selections between modifiers. · k-3d.org, 9 Oct 2026
- Platform access
- desktop · k-3d.org, 20 Sept 2026
- Product
- K-3D is free software for 3D modeling and animation. · k-3d.org, 9 Oct 2026
- Render engine
- external · k-3d.org, 20 Sept 2026
- Rendering
- The site describes native RenderMan support integrated with the K-3D interface. · k-3d.org, 9 Oct 2026
- Support
- The site points users to forums, a development mailing list, or issue submission for help. · k-3d.org, 9 Oct 2026
- Undo
- It includes an undo/redo system with an undo tree. · k-3d.org, 9 Oct 2026
- Workflow
- It supports procedural and parametric workflows, with interactive property changes and immediate results. · k-3d.org, 9 Oct 2026
Where K-3D stands on Freedom251
- 3D Animation Software#11 of 32
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